Labor Plans to Ensure Access to Voice and Text Messaging Across Australia

A man walks as he speaks on the phone. BENJAMIN CREMEL/AFP via Getty Images

Huge reception blackspots across the country will gain voice and SMS coverage as part of Labor’s plan to add mobile services provide basic coverage nationwide.

Under Labor’s Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) plan, announced on Feb. 25, mobile carriers will be required to provide voice and SMS coverage in nearly all areas of Australia.

The plan will extend mobile service across up to 5 million square kilometres, including over 37,000 kilometres of regional roads. It aims to utilise low-orbit satellites to deliver voice and SMS services in areas beyond the reach of land-based 4G and 5G networks.

If implemented, the outdoor SMS and voice services will begin rolling out by late 2027, with many Australians gaining access before then.

“Whether you’re in a national park, on a hiking trail, or out on the farm, you'll have mobile access as long as you can see the sky,” said Minister for Communication Michele Rowland.

Improving Public Safety and Resilience

The government claims that the initiative will enhance public safety, improve resilience during natural disasters, and provide coverage to previously inaccessible areas.

However, only satellite-enabled phones will be able to access this service. Basic mobile data may be introduced in the future, depending on technological advancements and capacity planning.

“While the experience will differ from land-based mobile networks, the benefits will be transformative, especially for a large continent like ours,” Rowland added.

The government is also working to include direct-to-device (D2D) messaging in the updated Universal Service Obligation.

“Low-orbit satellites and direct-to-device technology are well-suited for Australia,” said Rowland.

The government claims to collaborate with industry and the University of Technology Sydney on handset testing. It will also take guidance from the LEOSat working group, the Australian Communications and Media Authority, and feedback from regional communities.

Rising Telco Complaints Highlight Gaps in Coverage

This announcement follows a recent report from the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO), which revealed a significant rise in complaints between October and December 2024, when Australian telcos ended their 3G services.

Released on Feb. 20, the report highlights that residential consumers and small businesses lodged 15,297 complaints during the period.

This marks a 13 percent increase from the previous quarter.

Complaints about mobile services rose by 23.2 percent. Issues like lack of phone or internet service increased by 44.1 percent. Service dropouts also saw a rise of 21.1 percent.

Cynthia Gebert, Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman, stated, “We have seen an increase in consumers reaching out who are frustrated with their telcos. Everyone should have access to the service they’re promised, yet we are seeing an increase in persistent challenges with patchy service and dropouts.”

She further noted, “When you can’t use your telco service for everyday life and work, it can be a real barrier.” Gebert added that while telcos are working to resolve complaints, there is clearly more to be done.

During a parliamentary committee hearing, farmers from rural areas revealed that some had experienced up to a 70 percent drop in service reliability after the 3G network was shutdown, despite assurances from telcos that they would not be affected during the transition period.

“In some cases, entire properties that had mostly reliable coverage have now become black spots,” said acting CEO of the National Farmers’ Federation, Charles Thomas.